I want to replace the exaust manifold studs on my 91 300e. 14 years of ohio winter has rusted alot on my car. I cant find the correct size studs anywhere. can i use regular bolts?

thanks in advance.

I am by no means a subject matter expert >> but my guess is "no".. you can't really substitute a bolt for a stud.

Might want to try calling the folks here at Fastlane and see if they can special order..

In doing basic research > fastlane carries the exhaust nuts ... they can probablly get the studs..

I tried to match the nuts locally, and was told they were phosphor bronze and not in stock. I would definately get the studs from a Mercedes parts source. Call Phil or Rusty. You are talking about material selected for the high-temp mixed-metal environment it is required to perform in.

If you are asking if you can replace studs with Home Depot bolts, you are asking to have your head retapped when they suscumb a lot faster than your studs. You will not find out until you forgot you put them in, it is 24 below zero and you are late to work.

I am impressed with the responses here. I was very disappointed some time back when there was someone proposing using bolts because it was easier to get the manifolds in place that way. I tried to talk them out of it but they did it anyway. At one point or another they will suffer consequences for the use of bolts in lieu of studs.

Call Phil. He'll find what you need.

Good luck,